Children’s art – the invisible made visible

“Syrian kids who passed through Milan’s Central Station last year did something very Italian: create artwork. While they waited for trains to take them to northern Europe, Save the Children offered them a chance to draw. They could depict whatever they wanted, says psychologist Vittoria Ardino, president of the Italian Society for the Study of Traumatic Stress, who analyzed 500 of these images.”

Scroll down to last drawing to read one of Ardino’s reflections on the drawings.

“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.”

H.H. The 14th Dalai Lama

“God has created the world as one—the boundaries are marked out by man.”

“I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.”

1 Corinthians 1:10

“However many holy words you read, however many you speak, what good will they do you

If you do not act on upon them?”

Buddha

Here’s one of Vittoria Ardino’s reflections on these drawings:

“There’s so much happening on this piece of paper — which is maybe a reflection of the child’s chaotic inner world, Ardino says. A flying creature is part butterfly, a common symbol of freedom. But it’s also part gun. A plane dropping bombs is covered by a face that’s half-human and half-fish (or actually, a big fish devouring a smaller one). A flower droops over a series of squiggles, which Ardino believes represent human bodies. All of that points to a child feeling powerless — but “trying desperately to find light,” Ardino adds. The face is surrounded by sun, and an oversized ladder or staircase leads away from the houses. Ardino suggests this is the child’s attempt at answering a critical question: “How can I escape?”‘

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6 thoughts on “Children’s art – the invisible made visible”

From their hearts to our conscience, these paintings are absolutely heart rending. Children need a place to feel safe and these kids don’t. A journey of death, huge tears, plans for escape, a face screaming for help. How do these children grow away from this and become healthy?

Dedicated to Max, the most curious & loveable creature I’ve ever known

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Peggy Arndt

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